The Dolphins opened the season and the Mike McDaniel period in rousing trend with Sunday’s 20-7 victory over AFC East rival New England at Hard Rock Stadium.
The protection led the way in which early and late, producing three turnovers, and the offense, though not firing on all cylinders, did its job as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa acquired the ball within the arms of his lightning-fast vast receivers and allowed them to go to work.
McDaniel stored his crew targeted regardless of the large expectations, evidenced by the Dolphins promoting out their allotment of season tickets.
All in all, it was a powerful debut for the first-place Miami Dolphins.
Passing recreation: B
The spotlight was the 42-yard landing move on fourth-and-7 from Tagovailoa (23 for 33, 270 yards, one landing, 104.4 passer ranking) to vast receiver Jaylen Waddle. But fellow vast receiver Tyreek Hill (eight receptions, 94 yards) was most likely the star of the present along with his capacity to get yards after catch on quick and medium routes. Tagovailoa confirmed accuracy, endurance and, for probably the most half, good decision-making. There have been a few performs that have been questionable, particularly whereas below strain. Tagovailoa had at the very least one ill-advised move try whereas within the arms of a defender. But total Tagovailoa was sturdy. The offensive line allowed three sacks, which is troubling, and 7 quarterback hits, which can be troubling. New England’s Matthew Judon was a serious concern, particularly as the sport progressed. He ended with 5 tackles, one sack and 4 quarterback hits. But contemplating it’s the primary recreation and the Dolphins’ offensive line needed to shuffle as three tackles (Terron Armstead, Austin Jackson and Greg Little) missed performs because of accidents, it was a superb efficiency total.
Running recreation: D
This may need been the one main disappointment of the day. The Dolphins had 65 yards dashing on 23 carries (2.8 yards per carry) as each the offensive line and operating backs had bother getting going. New England threw a number of appears to be like on the Dolphins, they usually have been efficient to a sure extent. Running backs Chase Edmonds (12 carries, 25 yards) and Raheem Mostert (5 carries, 16 yards, together with an 11-yard run) didn’t have many holes, and in consequence their pace didn’t present a lot. This stays a piece in progress. But bear in mind it’s a brand new coach and new offense with two new offensive linemen and two new operating backs.
Defending the move: A
Start with the Jevon Holland interception ultimately zone within the first quarter after Xavien Howard tipped the move within the air. It was an enormous play. There was additionally a landing by linebacker Melvin Ingram on a strip-sack by Brandon Jones, and Kader Kohou brought about a fumble after a reception that was recovered by Jaelan Phillips. Emmanuel Ogbah had a sack and two quarterback hits. The Dolphins totaled two sacks, six passes defended, and three quarterback hits as New England quarterback Mac Jones (21 for 30, 213 yards, one landing, one interception, 87.2 passer ranking) wasn’t in a position to get a lot going constantly. By the way in which, cornerback Nik Needham performed 56 snaps (98%), Kohou performed 18, cornerback Keion Crossen performed 16 with cornerback/security Elijah Campbell getting 4. That expertise may turn out to be useful later within the season. Nice work on the entrance finish and the again finish.
Defending the run: B+
The Dolphins held New England to 78 yards dashing on 22 carries (3.5 yards per carry), a big accomplishment contemplating the Patriots have been eighth in dashing final yr at 126.5 yards per recreation and had a 100-yard rusher in each of their losses to Dolphins. The Patriots had three 12-yard carries, however other than these, they didn’t do a lot harm. Defensive linemen Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis had 5 tackles apiece to steer the cost. But linebackers Jerome Baker (six tackles) and Elandon Roberts (5 tackles) have been additionally there for run assist. The Dolphins’ run protection had the Tenth-best efficiency of the week getting into the Monday evening recreation.
Special groups: A
Punter Thomas Morstead was the brightest star right here along with his 4 punts that averaged 45.8 yards, together with a 58-yarder within the third quarter that featured a deal with on the Patriots’ 8-yard line by newly acquired Justin Bethel, whose power is particular groups. It was one among three punts Morstead put contained in the New England 20-yard line. Kicker Jason Sanders had area objectives of 43 and 49 yards. Holland didn’t return a punt in two makes an attempt, and Mostert had one kickoff return for 16 yards (fullback Alec Ingold returned the opposite for 12 yards). New England had a 28-yard kickoff return and two punt returns for a complete of 12 yards. Good debut.
Coaching: A
McDaniel was ready, and he had his crew ready. The rookie head coach made one of many gutsiest calls of the day within the NFL when he went for it on fourth-and-7 from the New England 42-yard line, and it resulted in a Tagovailoa to Waddle landing. Beyond that, the secondary and offensive line labored properly as items regardless of battling lacking personnel. It’s powerful to say with certainty McDaniel outcoached New England’s Bill Belichick, however he led his crew to a victory and dealt with the whole scenario properly, and that’s what counts.
Stock up: Kader Kohou
Kohou, the undrafted rookie cornerback, brought about a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Jaelan Phillips within the fourth quarter. Kohou ended with three tackles, together with one for a loss, a move defended and a brought about fumble amongst his 18 defensive performs and one particular groups play. His contribution was particularly necessary and promising, contemplating cornerbacks Byron Jones (leg) and Noah Igbinoghene (inactive) have been sidelined.
Stock down: Mike Gesicki
Gesicki was focused as soon as and ended with one reception for 1 yard. Let’s not go to the intense and suppose this development will proceed precisely and Gesicki, whose power is receiving, will finish the season with 17 receptions for 17 yards. But regulate this development that’s surfaced since coaching camp. Gesicki performed 25 snaps, which is 42%. Fellow tight ends Durham Smythe performed 38 snaps (63%) and Hunter Long performed 12 snaps (20%). We’ll simply say Gesicki had a couple of alternatives however not a complete lot of alternatives, and watch the scenario.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com